ASPI suggests
18 Feb 2013|
Malaysia's first Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarine docked at its Naval base in Port Klang on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on September 3, 2009.

There’s been a lot of discussion about escalating tension between China and Japan. Over at East Asia Forum, Sourabh Gupta looks at what an agreement over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands might look like. On the same blog, John Blaxland and Rikki Kersten share their thoughts on China’s use of active weapons radars aimed at Japanese military platforms near the island chain.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s buying Scorpene submarines and Vietnam’s buying Kilos, but Geoffrey Till looks at why the Asia Pacific military modernisation isn’t Europe 1913.

Indonesia-watchers might be interested in the Australia-Indonesia Youth Association’s newly launched blog featuring updates, events, news and their pick of Indonesia-related stories.

CSIS’s James Lewis has a new report on cybersecurity—it looks at corporate responsibility for managing cyber risks as well as new strategies. Lewis discussed also cyber attacks and Obama’s new cyber protection policy on Radio Times.

Here’s an NPR interview with the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey on sequestration, cultural changes in the military and women in combat.

Also, here’s the video and audio of a 14 February CSIS expert panel that discussed the future of US ground forces in light of budget cuts and withdrawals from Iraq and soon Afghanistan. Meanwhile, at a Brookings event last week US Army chief General Ray Odierno discussed the army’s future (audio and video here).

Events

The ANU is hosting Asia Pacific Week 2013—their weeklong extravaganza of dynamic discussion and events featuring leading experts and 100 student delegates. It’s on from 30 June to 5 July, and university students with a strong interest in the Asia Pacific are encouraged to apply by 4 March.

Canberra readers, Professor Scott Poynting will be presenting a lecture that explores how counter-terrorism strategies might be interpreted as a form of terror itself at 6pm, Monday 25 February at the ANU.

If you’re interested in intelligence and security, Mr Steve Meekin, Deputy Secretary Intelligence and Security will be presenting on Wednesday 20 February at 5pm at the R1 Theatrette, Russell Offices.

Melbourne-based readers, Monash University is holding a special event about the life of General Sir John Monash. The event features a presentation by Professor Roland Perry, musical performances and readings of Sir Monash’s letters at 6pm, Wednesday 27 February at The Edge, Federation Square.

SDSC’s Dr Peter Dean will be presenting at RUSI VIC on Australia’s amphibious operations and regional engagement on Thursday 28 February at Defence Plaza, Bourke Street.

Lastly, if you’re in Sydney, RUSI is hosting the 2nd International Defence and Security Dialogue on the strategic outlook of Australia’s immediate neighbourhood. Panellists include former Fijian Prime Minister Major General Sitiveni Rabuka (rtd) and Australian Chief of Army Lieutenant General David Morrison. The event will be on Tuesday 26 February, 8.30am to 5pm.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia.